Daniel Ricciardo said that "progression" was the biggest positive of a tough first full season in Formula One.

Having made his debut last year and clocked up 11 race starts with HRT, Ricciardo secured a seat at Toro Rosso for 2012. Some strong performances - including qualifying sixth in Bahrain - failed produce more than a total of 10 points across the year, but having had has contract alongside Jean-Eric Vergne extended for another season Ricciardo was asked what had been the positives this season.

"Progression was one of them; I felt like I was definitely learning throughout the year," Ricciardo told the official Toro Rosso website. "Experience, lessons learnt ... so on paper it probably doesn't sound like much but I know for next year I can put it to paper now.

"I learned a lot, definitely, I feel I'm much better for it. We didn't have the quickest car all the time and we had to try and find some other solutions at times which made us understand a bit more and I think it will serve us well for next year."

Asked for the biggest thing he'd learnt this season, Ricciardo replied: "Qualifying is one thing, race is another. I'm not talking about Bahrain, not at all!"